Mental Health Correlates of Autistic and ADHD Traits in Secondary School Students
<b>Background:</b> Recent research has examined the associations between autistic traits and the well-being of students. This research has also included measures of ADHD and mental health. <b>Methods:</b> To understand the association and interaction of well-being and mental...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Brain Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/15/6/609 |
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| Summary: | <b>Background:</b> Recent research has examined the associations between autistic traits and the well-being of students. This research has also included measures of ADHD and mental health. <b>Methods:</b> To understand the association and interaction of well-being and mental health with autistic traits (AQ) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits, a survey was given to 578 secondary school students. The survey used the well-being process questionnaire (WPQ), the autism spectrum quotient, the ADHD self-report scale, and the Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire (SDQ). <b>Results:</b> The analysis conducted using SPSS showed that there was a significant correlation between anxiety, depression, AQ, and ADHD. Anxiety and depression were also significantly correlated with all well-being and SDQ variables. The regression analysis, including psychosocial predictors of well-being, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and AQ, showed that anxiety and depression were strongly associated with well-being outcomes. In contrast, AQ and ADHD were associated with hyperactivity, peer problems, and reduced prosocial behaviour. The associations between anxiety, depression, and well-being outcomes were stronger than with either AQ or ADHD. <b>Conclusions:</b> This study extends previous research from university samples to a secondary school sample. This shows the importance of investigating associations between subclinical traits and psychological symptoms in early adolescence, as this will lead to better-informed prevention and early intervention strategies. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-3425 |